How to Keep Your Bridal Bouquet Fresh Before Professional Preservation

Michelle Samayoa

There is something timeless about a bridal bouquet that's been carefully crafted to celebrate your wedding day. But like all living beauty, flowers are delicate and temporary. The key to preserving their charm lies in caring for them before they ever reach the hands of your preservation artist. The fresher your flowers, the more breathtaking your final frame will be.

Below is your guide to keeping your bouquet as fresh as the moment you said “I do.”


Immediate Care on the Wedding Day

Keep it in water whenever you can.
Between the ceremony, photos, and dancing, your bouquet will be in your hands often, but whenever possible, place it in a clean vase of water. A brief drink keeps those petals from wilting prematurely.

Assign a “bouquet buddy.”
Amid the celebration, hand this task to a trusted bridesmaid, planner, or friend. They can ensure your bouquet is cared for once the festivities begin.

Avoid extremes.
Keep your flowers far from direct sunlight, fireplaces, or A/C drafts. Extreme heat or chill can cause bruising or early fading.

Handle with care.
Petals and stems bruise as easily as silk. Gentle handling keeps them pristine for preservation.


Overnight or Short-Term Storage (1–2 Days)

Recut the stems.
Trim about an inch off the bottom at a 45-degree angle. This opens the water channels so your flowers can rehydrate.

Use a clean vase and fresh water.
Clean water keeps bacteria at bay. Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line to prevent decay.

Store in a cool place.
If possible, keep your bouquet in the refrigerator (set between 35 and 45°F). Avoid placing it near fruits, especially apples or bananas, which release ethylene gas that speeds up aging.

No fridge? No problem.
A cool, dark, air-conditioned room or closet works beautifully. Just be sure it is away from heat and sunlight.


Preparing for Professional Preservation

Contact us right away.
The best preservation results happen when flowers arrive within 48 hours of the wedding. If possible, book your preservation service before your big day so your spot is secured. We offer pickup if you are in the Greater Los Angeles area or surrounding areas.

Follow our shipping instructions carefully.
After purchase, you will receive an email with how to safely ship your bouquet to us.


Preserve Your Love Story with Reflora Designs

Your bouquet was designed to capture the beauty and emotion of your wedding day. At Reflora Designs, we specialize in flower preservation that transforms your bridal flowers into timeless art pieces. We preserve each petal with care and artistry.

If you are in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, reserve your preservation service today to ensure your bouquet is received at its freshest. Book with Reflora Designs to begin preserving your love story in flowers.

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Meet the Author

Michelle's flower preservationist journey started in 2020, when she pressed flowers for the first time making a Mother's Day gift. After decorating small polaroids with pressed flowers from her studio, her business grew thanks to social media. Her most watched video received 6 million views! She has then built a community connected through the love of pressed flowers and preserved stories. Michelle's attention to detail shows the value and care she places in each piece as she helps others preserve flowers and the stories they carry.